Gulf Coast Championship Wrestling
A Recap of January 1952
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The New Year began with a card presented by promoter Pauline Kilshaw at the VFW Hall in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on New Year’s Day. Irish Jack Kelly faced Blackjack Dillon in the first match of the night. Kelly pinned Dillon to win the first fall in 23 minutes. Kelly used a shoulder slide to pin Dillon to win the second fall in 30 minutes, taking the match in straight falls.
In the main event Al Getz faced The Skull. Each man had won a fall apiece going into the deciding fall. In the third fall Getz had the Skull up in an airplane spin as the time limit was nearing expiration. While being spun, the masked man’s feet struck the referee and knocked him from the ring. Getz dropped the Skull to the mat and covered him for the pin but the referee was still struggling to get back into the ring. When the referee finally got back into the ring the Skull managed to reverse the situation and pinned Getz to take the deciding fall and the match.
The following night in Alexandria, Louisiana promoter Jimmie Thompson presented his first card of the year at Thompson’s Arena. Irish Jack Kelly took on the Skull in the first event. The Skull won the first fall when he forced Kelly to submit to an armbar. The Skull battered Kelly around in the second fall and opened a cut on Kelly’s head. Kelly began to fight back when referee Phil Brummett stopped the match and declared it a draw. Confusion covered the audience because the match was scheduled for a 60 minute time limit but only 40 minutes had passed.
In the main event Al Getz took on Blackjack Dillon. Getz pinned Dillon to win the first fall rather easily. Before the start of the second fall referee Phil Brummett decided to search Dillon and found a bar of soap that Dillon had hidden in his trunks. Without his weapon Dillon was easy prey for Getz, who pinned him quickly to win the match in two straight falls.
On Thursday in New Orleans, Louisiana promoter Ernestine Murtagh presented her first card of the year at the Coliseum. The Skull defeated Charley Keene in the one fall opening match.
In the semi-final match Irish Jack Kelly teamed with Pat (Big Boy) Cronin to take on George Curtis & Al Getz in a tag team match. Cronin & Kelly won two out of three falls to win the match.
In the main event Nick Carter faced Blackjack Dillon in a rematch of their match on the last card held in New Orleans at the end of 1951. This match was billed as a one fall to the finish with no time limit. Carter defeated Dillon to earn a popular victory.
On Friday in Jackson, Mississippi promoter Billy Romanoff held his first card of the year at the Municipal Auditorium. George Curtis and Sugy Hayamaka, the current World Light-Heavyweight champion, fought to a 15 minute draw in the opening non-title match.
Jack Curtis defeated Pat Cronin after bloodying him in the second one fall match
In the third one fall match, Farmer Spunky Brown, accompanied by his second Daisy Mae, faced Red Kirkpatrick, as the Mighty Scot. Brown was awarded the match when Kirkpatrick was disqualified for foul tactics.
The main event was a 6 man tag team match with Brown teaming with the Curtis Brothers to face Cronin, Hayamaka & Red Kirkpatrick. Cronin pinned George Curtis to win the opening fall for his team. George came back and pinned Hayamaka to win the second fall and even the score. Brown pinned Cronin in the third and deciding fall to win the fall and the match for his side.
The following Monday, Joe Gunther presented his first card of the new year at the Municipal Auditorium in Birmingham. The card opened with a match between Nick Carter and Pat Cronin. Cronin pinned Carter to win the match.
The second match of the night featured the debut of newcomer Bronko Lubich as he faced the Skull. The Skull used his full bag of tricks to defeat Lubich, who was impressive even in a loss.
In the main event tag team match, Al Getz & Johnny Harmon took two out of three falls from the team of Irish Jack Kelly & George Harben to win the match.
Also on Monday, Shreveport, Louisiana promoter Gladden Harrison held his first card of 1952 at the Municipal Auditorium. George Curtis faced Sockeye Jack McDonald in the one fall opening match. McDonald pinned Curtis to win the match.
In the semi-final match Farmer Brown took on Red Kirkpatrick. The match was even at a fall apiece at the start of the third and deciding fall. Kirkpatrick spent much of the fall choking and gouging Brown. Daisy Mae, Brown’s ringside second, got upset at Kirkpatrick’s dirty tactics and reached through the ropes and tripped him. Kirkpatrick climbed out of the ring and began choking Mae until an Air Force serviceman came out of the audience to try and stop him. Kirkpatrick released Daisy and slugged the airman just as Brown climbed out of the ring. Brown tossed Kirkpatrick back into the ring and gave him quite a beating before pinning him to win the fall and the match. Following the match, just to add insult to injury, Brown held Kirkpatrick as Daisy Mae used Brown’s boot to hit him in the head.
In the main event World Light-Heavyweight champion Sugy Hayamaka put his title on the line against Jack Curtis, a former holder of the same title. Curtis won the first fall when he forced Hayamaka to submit to a hangman’s hold after 7 minutes. Hayamaka took the second fall in 7 minutes when he pinned Curtis after a series of Judo throws. During the third and deciding fall the two spent as much time fighting on the arena floor as they did in the ring. At one point Hayamaka rammed Curtis’ head into the ring apron, causing a bloody cut. As thy continued to battle outside the ring the match was stopped and declared a no contest.
Wrestling returned to Monroe, Louisiana the next evening as promoter Gus Kallio presented his first card of the year at Kallio’s Arena. George Curtis and Sugy Hayamaka fought to a 10 minute draw in the one fall opening match.
The second match, also a one fall match between Jack Curtis and Sockeye McDonald, also ended in a 10 minute draw.
In the main event Jack & George Curtis joined hands to face Hayamaka & McDonald in a tag team match. During the first fall Hayamaka caught Jack Curtis in his sleeper hold, but Curtis managed to escape. Jack tagged in George just as Hayamaka tagged in McDonald. McDonald pushed George into a corner and Hayamaka joined in and the doubled teamed the youngest Curtis brother. McDonald then bodyslammed George to the mat and pinned him to win the opening fall. The Curtis Brothers concentrated on Hayamaka during the second fall and kept him close to their corner. The brothers constantly tagged in and out while working over Hayamaka’s leg. Finally Jack clamped a half Boston Crab on Hayamaka to force him to submit to win the second fall. In the third and deciding fall the Curtis duo once again kept Hayamaka near their corner while they took turns bodyslamming him. Jack once again clamped on a half Boston Crab and had Hayamaka on the verge of conceding when McDonald entered the ring. George jumped in to stop McDonald but was stopped by referee Bill Barney. As Barney forced George back out of the ring McDonald slugged Jack in the back of the head and broke his hold on Hayamaka. As Barney turned his attention back to the center of the ring Hayamaka had Jack pinned. Barney counted the fall and awarded the fall and the match to Hayamaka & McDonald.
That same Tuesday evening in Baton Rouge, Johnny Harmon faced George Harben in the opening match, scheduled to be best two out of three falls with a 60 minute time limit.
The main event featured Al Getz meeting the Skull in a match, best two out of three falls with no time limit.
There are no results known for this card.
On Wednesday in Alexandria Johnny Harmon and the Skull met in the best two out of three falls opening match. Harmon spent most of the first fall trying to remove the Skull’s mask but was finally pinned by the masked man to end the fall after 37 minutes. The two fought tooth and nail until the 60 minute time limit expired. Since the Skull had won the only fall he was declared the winner of the match.
In the main event Al Getz faced off with George Harben. Getz was awarded the first fall when referee Phil Brummett disqualified Harben for pulling hair and using his fists. Harben used the same tactics throughout the second fall but managed to avoid another disqualification. He pinned Getz to win the fall and even the score. Getz pinned Harben easily in the final fall to win the fall and the match.
The following night in New Orleans, Irish Jack Kelly defeated Al Getz in the one fall opening match.
In the second match, Baron Von Harben (as George Harben was sometimes known) defeated Red Kirkpatrick.
The Skull was disqualified in the third match of the evening, giving the victory to his opponent Charley Keene.
In the main event Pat Cronin score two out of three falls to win his match over Nick Carter.
On Friday in Jackson, Jack Curtis and Sockeye McDonald battled to a draw in the opening match.
In the semi-final match Farmer Brown faced Red Kirkpatrick. Kirkpatrick was disqualified by referee Jack Roberts after he tossed Brown from the ring and refused to let him back in. Following the match Brown and his second Daisy Mae used Brown’s boots to clobber Kirkpatrick and chase him from the ring.
In the main event George Curtis got his chance at the World Light-Heavyweight title held by Sugy Hayamaka. Curtis pinned Hayamaka to win the first fall following a series of dropkicks. Hayamaka came back and tossed Curtis with a Judo throw and pinned him to win the second. Hayamaka pinned Curtis with a jackknife to win the third fall and the match to retain his title.
Also on Friday wrestling returned to Anniston, Alabama. Promoter Al Bragg presented his first card of the year at the Shrine Club. Johnny Harmon faced Pat Cronin in the opening match of the evening.
In the main event Nick Carter took on Irish Jack Kelly.
No results are known for this card.
The following week In Birmingham, George Harben defeated Irish Jack Kelly in the one fall opening match.
In the second event of the evening a new masked wrestler made his debut as the Skull presented his new tag team partner, The Skull #2. The new masked man faced Johnny Harmon, the popular Canadian. The Skull #2 proved to be every much the ruffian that his partner was as he won the final two falls to defeat Harmon.
The Skull #1 was also victorious in the semi-final match. He scored two out of three falls over Al Getz to win the match.
In the main event, Nick Carter was matched with Benito Gardini. Gardini was nationally known due to his televised appearances from Chicago and was a last minute substitute for Pat Cronin, who was unable to appear. He pinned Carter to win the first fall and take an early advantage. Carter pitched Gardini from the ring in the second fall and Gardini was unable to return to the ring before being counted out. At the start of the deciding fall, Gardini was unable to continue so the final fall and the match were awarded to Carter.
On Tuesday in Monroe, the card featured a main event tag team match with Jack & George Curtis taking on Sugy Hayamaka & Sockeye Jack McDonald.
The two preliminaries that preceded the main event were singles matches made up of these same four wrestlers.
No results are known for this card.
Also on Tuesday in Baton Rouge, Johnny Harmon faced Pat Cronin in the opening match of the evening.
In the main event, Irish Jack Kelly took on the Skull.
No results are known for this card either.
Wrestling was held in Shreveport on Wednesday this week. The Municipal Auditorium was presenting a ballet performance by Saddler Well on the regular Monday night. The move did not hurt attendance as the card drew 2500 fans. In the opening match George Curtis defeated Bronko Lubich to win the match in 12 minutes.
The semi-final match was a tag team event with George Curtis teaming with Framer Brown (along with Daisy Mae) to take on Bronko Lubich & Sockeye McDonald. McDonald pinned Curtis following a giant swing to win the first fall. Brown came back and forced Lubich to submit to his stump puller hold to take the second fall and even the match. McDonald applied a half Boston Crab on Brown and made him submit to win the deciding fall and the match for his team.
In the main event a return match for the World Light-Heavyweight title featured champion Sugy Hayamaka defending his title against Jack Curtis. Curtis pinned Hayamaka after using a neckbreaker on him to win the first fall. Hayamaka came back with a Judo toss and a pin on Curtis to take the second fall. The third and deciding fall went back and forth until Hayamaka caught Curtis in a shoulder slide to pin him and win the fall and the match. Curtis quickly jumped to his feet following the pin and slugged Hayamaka, but the champion had retained his title.
Also on Wednesday in Alexandria, Johnny Harmon faced the Skull #2 in the opening match. The Skull #2 punched Harmon all over the ring before pinning him to win the match.
In the main event Irish Jack Kelly took on the original Skull. The match was even with a fall apiece going into the third and deciding fall. Kelly spent much of that fall trying to remove the Skull’s mask. The Skull wound up tossing Kelly out of the ring several times and was disqualified by referee Phil Brummett, giving the fall and the match to Kelly. Following the match Kelly issued a challenge to the Skull to meet in a hair vs mask match.
On Thursday in New Orleans the card opened with three one fall matches. Charley Keene defeated the Skull #2 in the first match.
Irish Jack Kelly pinned Johnny Harmon to win the second match.
In the third match Al Getz defeated Baron Von Harben by disqualification.
The main event featured a 10 man tag team match and the return to the ring of Bullet Joe Gunther. Gunther, a long-time favorite during his days as an active wrestler, usually spent his time promoting and booking wrestling cards and periodically serving as a referee. In this match Gunther’s team included Nick Carter, Charley Keene, Al Getz & Johnny Harmon. The opposing team was comprised of Red Byrd (replacing the ailing Pat Cronin), Baron Von Harben, Irish Jack Kelly and the Skulls, #1 & #2. Gunther’s team took two out of three falls to win the match.
On Friday in Jackson the card opened with 3 one fall singles matches, Farmer Brown vs Rex Mobley and Bronko Lubich vs Red Kirkpatrick ended in 10 minute draws. George Curtis defeated Sockeye McDonald by disqualification in their match.
The main event was an 8 man tag team match with Jack & George Curtis teaming with Farmer Brown & Bronko Lubich to face the foursome of Sugy Hayamaka, Sockeye McDonald, Rex Mobley & Red Kirkpatrick. Added to the mix at ringside were Brown’s valet/wife Daisy Mae and Hayamaka’s second, who he introduced as Gorgeous Georgia. Hayamaka pinned Lubich to win the first fall for his team, while Lubich evened the score by pinning McDonald to take the second fall. Brown pinned Red Kirkpatrick to take the deciding fall and the match for his team.
That same Friday evening in Anniston the card opened with Al Getz taking on George (Baron Von) Harben in the opening match.
In the main event Nick Carter and Irish Jack Kelly faced off in a 10 round boxing match.
No results are known for this card.
On Saturday wrestling debuted in Pascagoula, Mississippi under promoter Tony Everts. Everts, who usually promoted in Gulfport, held his matches at the Recreation Center. The inaugural card featured Bronko Lubich facing Sockeye McDonald in the opening match, scheduled for best two out of three falls with a 45 minute time limit.
In the main event Sugy Hayamaka, World Light-Heavyweight champion, faced Red Kirkpatrick in a non-title match. That match was scheduled for best two out of three falls and carried a 90 minute time limit.
No results are known for this card.
The following week wrestling in Birmingham, the card opened with a women’s tag team match in which Ella Waldek & Dot Dotson defeated Helen Collins & Jo Ann Mullenniex.
The semi-final was a return match between the Skull #1 and Al Getz. The Skull #1 won two out of three falls from Getz to win the match.
In the main event, Charley Keene took on the Skull #2. The match was even at a fall apiece going into the deciding fall. The Skull #2 was disqualified for fouling Keene, giving the final fall and the match to Keene. Keene was not satisfied with just a victory and went for the mask of the Skull #2. Keene pulled the mask off, revealing Elmer Davis.
Also on Monday in Shreveport returned to its regular Monday night. The card opened with Farmer Brown facing the returning Ellis Bashara. Brown flattened Bashara with mule kicks and forced him to submit to a backbreaker to win the one fall match in 11 minutes.
Brown returned in the semi-final match as he teamed with Jack Curtis to take on the team of Bashara & Red Kirkpatrick in a tag team match. Brown & Curtis won the match by winning two straight falls. Daisy Mae, Brown’s wife and second, also got into the action as she used Brown’s boot to clobber Bashara in the head a couple of times.
In the main event Sugy Hayamaka, World Light-Heavyweight champion, put his title on the line against the challenge of Sockeye Jack McDonald. Hayamaka tossed McDonald with a Judo throw and pinned him to win the first fall in 11 minutes. McDonald forced Hayamaka to submit to a backbreaker to take the second fall in 8 minutes. In the third and deciding fall, McDonald withstood all of Hayamaka’s Judo chops and countered with punches of his own. At one point McDonald tried to whip Hayamaka into the corner but referee Conway Baker was in the way. Hayamaka crashed into Baker and knocked him to the mat. Hayamaka then flattened McDonald and covered him for the pin. Baker was still flat on the mat. Hayamaka went to try and help him to his feet. He managed to bring Baker around but McDonald grabbed Hayamaka and applied a backbreaker to him. Hayamaka submitted to give the fall and the match to McDonald. Jack McDonald was the new World Light-Heavyweight champion.
The following night in Monroe, Jack Curtis and Ellis Bashara wrestled to a draw in the opening match of the evening.
The second match of the night, between Farmer Brown and Sockeye McDonald, also ended in a draw.
In the main event Curtis & Brown teamed to take on Bashara & McDonald in a tag team match. In the first fall Bashara had Curtis in trouble by blinding him with something that he kept hidden in his trunks. Brown came to his partner’s aid and McDonald also entered the ring. All four men fought until referee Bill Barney managed to regain control of the match. At one point during the melee Bashara & McDonald were swinging so wildly that they were punching each other as Curtis & Brown stood back and laughed. Curtis & Brown then double teamed Bashara and Brown pinned him to win the first fall. Bashara came back to pin Curtis to win the second fall and even the score. Curtis pinned McDonald to win the third and deciding fall and the match.
That same Tuesday evening in Baton Rouge the card started with Al Getz facing Baron Von Harben. Getz won the first and third falls of the match to defeat Von Harben and win the match.
The main event featured the first appearance of women wrestlers of the year. In that match Helen Collins faced Ella Waldek. Collins pinned Waldek with a shoulder slide to win the first fall. Waldek flattened Collins with a series of bodyslams and a pin on Collins to take the second fall. Waldek won the deciding fall when she pinned Collins following a dropkick.
Also on Tuesday, promoter John Hartselle presented his first card of the year at the Armory in Decatur. In the opening match, scheduled for best two out of three falls with a 90 minute time limit, Johnny Harmon faced Irish Jack Kelly.
The main event, a women’s match scheduled for best two out of three falls with a 60 minute time limit, featured Millie Stafford taking on Dot Dotson.
No results are known for this card.
The following evening in Alexandria the first match was another women’s match between Helen Collins and Ella Waldek. Collins won the first fall when she pinned Waldek following a dropkick. Waldek won the next two falls and the match, each time by pinning Collins after ramming her knee into Collins’ stomach. Waldek got into a bit of extracurricular activity following the match and it cost her dearly. After defeating Collins she went to the concession stand and got a soda. As she was about to enter her dressing room she was confronted by jeering fans. Waldek waved them away and when she did she spilled her drink on a female spectator. That incident cost Waldek $50 in fines and she was suspended from appearing in Alexandria for 60 days.
In the main event Al Getz faced George Harben. The match was even at a fall apiece going into the third and deciding fall. In the final fall Getz had Harben pinned put Harben managed to get his hand out from under Getz and tap Getz on the shoulder. Getz assuming it was the referee signaling the end of the fall got to his feet. Referee Phil Brummett was explaining to Getz that he had not reached the count of three and had not tapped him on the shoulder. In the meantime Harben got to his feet, grabbed Getz and slammed him to the mat. Harben then pinned Getz and won the fall and the match.
On Thursday in New Orleans Irish Jack Kelly faced newcomer Lou Plummer in the opening match. Kelly managed to gain the first fall but the match went to the 45 minute curfew with neither man gaining another fall. Despite Kelly taking the only fall scored, the match was declared a draw.
In the semi-final match Al Getz faced Baron Von Harben. Von Harben won two out of three falls to defeat Getz and win the match.
The main event was an women’s tag team with Helen Collins teaming with Millie Stafford to take on Ella Waldek & Dot Dotson. Waldek & Dotson took two out of three falls to win the match.
The attendance was 2700 people.
On Friday in Jackson Bronco Lubich faced off with veteran Sailor Moran in the opening match of the evening. Despite Moran having many more years of experience Lubich held his own and the match ended in a 15 minute draw.
In the semi-final match Jack Curtis & Farmer Brown joined forces to take on Ellis Bashara & Red Kirkpatrick in a tag team match. Curtis & Brown took two out of three falls to win the match. Daisy Mae got her licks in as well as she used Brown’s boot to good use on the head of Bashara.
In the main event new World Light-Heavyweight champion Sockeye McDonald put his title on the line against the man he taken it from, Sugy Hayamaka. Hayamaka kept McDonald in a whirl throughout the first fall by tossing him with Judo throws. At one point McDonald left the ring and was almost counted out by referee Jack Roberts. Hayamaka flattened McDonald with a Judo chop and pinned him to win the fall. In the second fall McDonald clamped a backbreaker on
Hayamaka and made him submit to take the fall. McDonald held onto the hold for an additional time after Hayamaka had conceded before referee Roberts threatened him with a disqualification. When he did release the hold Hayamaka was in such bad shape it was doubtful that he would be able to continue. Hayamaka was able to continue and started the third and deciding fall in a fury. He tossed and chopped McDonald until he had the champion bleeding and nearly out on his feet. Finally McDonald swung wildly out of desperation and landed a blow to the side of Hayamaka’s head. He then grabbed Hayamaka’s leg and applied a half Boston Crab. Hayamaka was forced to concede and the fall and the match went to McDonald, allowing him to retain his title.
That same Friday evening in Anniston Johnny Harmon and Elmer Davis met in the opening match of the evening.
The main event featured a women’s tag team match with Helen Collins & Millie Stafford taking on Ella Waldek & Dot Dotson.
No results are known for this card.
The following Monday in Birmingham, Pat Cronin defeated George Harben in the opening match of the evening.
In the semi-final match Al Getz & Johnny Harmon teamed to take on the Skull & Elmer Davis, the former Skull #2. Getz & Harmon took two out of three falls to win the match.
In the main event Nick Carter faced Don McIntyre, the Southern Heavyweight champion, in a title match. McIntyre was making his first appearance in Birmingham in almost two years, when he was appearing on opposition cards presented by Atlanta promoter Paul Jones. Carter pinned McIntyre to win the first fall. McIntyre came back and won the final two falls to take the match and retain his title.
That same Monday evening in Shreveport the card opened with Farmer Brown meeting Bronko Lubich in a one fall match. The match was clean fought and evenly matched until Brown caught Lubich in a rolling arm scissors. Brown pinned Lubich to win the match.
Jack Curtis took on Red Kirkpatrick in the semi-final match of the evening. Curtis forced Kirkpatrick to submit to an abdominal stretch to win the first fall in 13 minutes. Curtis pinned Kirkpatrick following a series of dropkicks to win the second fall in 8 minutes, winn8ing the match in straight falls.
The main event featured another World Light-Heavyweight title match between champion Sockeye McDonald and former champion Sugy Hayamaka. Prior to the start of the title match both Jack Curtis and Ellis Bashara issued a challenger to take on the winner. McDonald won the first fall when he forced Hayamaka to submit to a stepover toehold. Hayamaka employed a Judo toss on McDonald and pinned him to win the second fall. McDonald to the deciding fall quickly when he used a backbreaker on Hayamaka and forced his to submit, winning the fall and the match and retaining his title.
On Tuesday in Monroe Farmer Brown and Ellis Bashara battled to a 10 minute draw in the opening match.
In the second match Jack Curtis and Red Kirkpatrick also wrestled to a 10 minute draw.
The main event was a tag team match with Curtis & Brown taking on Bashara & Kirkpatrick. In the first fall Kirkpatrick obtained an unlit cigar from somewhere and proceeded to use it to rub into the eyes of Curtis & Brown. Then Bashara climbed into the ring only to be grabbed by Brown in a bear hug. Bashara tried to break free by raking Brown’s eyes but Brown got angry and heaved Bashara over his shoulder. Brown then pinned Bashara to win the first fall. The finish of the second fall also included Brown and Bashara as well as Brown’s second, Daisy Mae. Brown had Bashara near the ropes and Daisy Mae, who seemed to have a particular dislike of Bashara, jumped on the ring apron with one of Brown’s heavy boots. She swung it in the direction of Bashara’s head but he ducked and the blow flattened Brown instead. Bashara quickly pinned Brown to win the second fall. Curtis pinned Kirkpatrick after a series of neck twists to win the deciding fall and the match.
Also on Tuesday in Baton Rouge, Johnny Harmon faced pat Cronin in the opening match. Harmon pinned Cronin following a series of monkey flips and a bodyslam to win the first fall. Cronin came back to rough up Harmon and pin him to take the second fall and even the match. In the third and deciding fall Cronin punched referee Phil Brummett and was disqualified, giving the fall and the match to Harmon.
The main event was a 15 round boxing match between Irish Jack Kelly and the Skull. The match was in round 13, with Kelly having won 9 of the previous rounds, when the match was stopped. Kelly got into a verbal argument with referee Phil Brummett and ended up slugging him. Brummett stopped the match and awarded it to the Skull.
The following evening in Alexandria Johnny Harmon and Pat Cronin met once again in the opening match. Harmon pinned Cronin to win the first fall and was well on his way to making it two straight falls when Cronin floored him with the help of a foreign object. A local commissioner halted the match and attempted to search Cronin, who refused to subject himself to such an action. The commissioner called for Cronin’s disqualification and awarded the match to Harmon.
The main event was another meeting between Jack Kelly and the Skull. In this match Kelly put his hair on the line against the mask of the Skull. Promoter Jimmie Thompson would serve as the referee for this match. Kelly scored an early advantage when he pinned the Skull to take the first fall. Following the fall, the Skull remained lying in the center of the ring even after the bell sounded to start the second fall. After the bell the Skull avoided Kelly until he saw an opening and rushed Kelly with a series of knees to the stomach and bodyslams. The masked man then pinned Kelly to win the fall and even the match. The third and final fall went back and forth until Kelly began to tire. The Skull took advantage of the situation and slammed Kelly to the mat several times and pinned him to win the fall and the match. Kelly accepted his defeated and allowed a barber to enter the ring and cut off his hair.
That same Wednesday evening the card in Decatur was held instead of its regular Tuesday night card. The card opened with Charley Keene facing Elmer Davis in a match scheduled for best two out of three falls with a 60 minute time limit.
In the main event, scheduled for best two out of three falls with a 90 minute time limit, Al Getz took on George Harben.
No results are known for this card.
The final card of January was held on Thursday in New Orleans. The card opened with a tag team match in which Al Getz & Johnny Harmon faced Baron Von Harben & the Skull #2. Getz & Harmon scored two out of three falls to win the match.
In the main event, Charley Keene faced the Skull #1 in a fight to the finish. This match had no time limit and no limit to the number of falls that could be scored. It would continue until one man was unable to continue the match. The match was a rough one with the advantage going back and forth several times. Keene was unable to answer the bell at the beginning of the fifth fall and the match was awarded to the Skull.
The New Year began with a card presented by promoter Pauline Kilshaw at the VFW Hall in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on New Year’s Day. Irish Jack Kelly faced Blackjack Dillon in the first match of the night. Kelly pinned Dillon to win the first fall in 23 minutes. Kelly used a shoulder slide to pin Dillon to win the second fall in 30 minutes, taking the match in straight falls.
In the main event Al Getz faced The Skull. Each man had won a fall apiece going into the deciding fall. In the third fall Getz had the Skull up in an airplane spin as the time limit was nearing expiration. While being spun, the masked man’s feet struck the referee and knocked him from the ring. Getz dropped the Skull to the mat and covered him for the pin but the referee was still struggling to get back into the ring. When the referee finally got back into the ring the Skull managed to reverse the situation and pinned Getz to take the deciding fall and the match.
The following night in Alexandria, Louisiana promoter Jimmie Thompson presented his first card of the year at Thompson’s Arena. Irish Jack Kelly took on the Skull in the first event. The Skull won the first fall when he forced Kelly to submit to an armbar. The Skull battered Kelly around in the second fall and opened a cut on Kelly’s head. Kelly began to fight back when referee Phil Brummett stopped the match and declared it a draw. Confusion covered the audience because the match was scheduled for a 60 minute time limit but only 40 minutes had passed.
In the main event Al Getz took on Blackjack Dillon. Getz pinned Dillon to win the first fall rather easily. Before the start of the second fall referee Phil Brummett decided to search Dillon and found a bar of soap that Dillon had hidden in his trunks. Without his weapon Dillon was easy prey for Getz, who pinned him quickly to win the match in two straight falls.
On Thursday in New Orleans, Louisiana promoter Ernestine Murtagh presented her first card of the year at the Coliseum. The Skull defeated Charley Keene in the one fall opening match.
In the semi-final match Irish Jack Kelly teamed with Pat (Big Boy) Cronin to take on George Curtis & Al Getz in a tag team match. Cronin & Kelly won two out of three falls to win the match.
In the main event Nick Carter faced Blackjack Dillon in a rematch of their match on the last card held in New Orleans at the end of 1951. This match was billed as a one fall to the finish with no time limit. Carter defeated Dillon to earn a popular victory.
On Friday in Jackson, Mississippi promoter Billy Romanoff held his first card of the year at the Municipal Auditorium. George Curtis and Sugy Hayamaka, the current World Light-Heavyweight champion, fought to a 15 minute draw in the opening non-title match.
Jack Curtis defeated Pat Cronin after bloodying him in the second one fall match
In the third one fall match, Farmer Spunky Brown, accompanied by his second Daisy Mae, faced Red Kirkpatrick, as the Mighty Scot. Brown was awarded the match when Kirkpatrick was disqualified for foul tactics.
The main event was a 6 man tag team match with Brown teaming with the Curtis Brothers to face Cronin, Hayamaka & Red Kirkpatrick. Cronin pinned George Curtis to win the opening fall for his team. George came back and pinned Hayamaka to win the second fall and even the score. Brown pinned Cronin in the third and deciding fall to win the fall and the match for his side.
The following Monday, Joe Gunther presented his first card of the new year at the Municipal Auditorium in Birmingham. The card opened with a match between Nick Carter and Pat Cronin. Cronin pinned Carter to win the match.
The second match of the night featured the debut of newcomer Bronko Lubich as he faced the Skull. The Skull used his full bag of tricks to defeat Lubich, who was impressive even in a loss.
In the main event tag team match, Al Getz & Johnny Harmon took two out of three falls from the team of Irish Jack Kelly & George Harben to win the match.
Also on Monday, Shreveport, Louisiana promoter Gladden Harrison held his first card of 1952 at the Municipal Auditorium. George Curtis faced Sockeye Jack McDonald in the one fall opening match. McDonald pinned Curtis to win the match.
In the semi-final match Farmer Brown took on Red Kirkpatrick. The match was even at a fall apiece at the start of the third and deciding fall. Kirkpatrick spent much of the fall choking and gouging Brown. Daisy Mae, Brown’s ringside second, got upset at Kirkpatrick’s dirty tactics and reached through the ropes and tripped him. Kirkpatrick climbed out of the ring and began choking Mae until an Air Force serviceman came out of the audience to try and stop him. Kirkpatrick released Daisy and slugged the airman just as Brown climbed out of the ring. Brown tossed Kirkpatrick back into the ring and gave him quite a beating before pinning him to win the fall and the match. Following the match, just to add insult to injury, Brown held Kirkpatrick as Daisy Mae used Brown’s boot to hit him in the head.
In the main event World Light-Heavyweight champion Sugy Hayamaka put his title on the line against Jack Curtis, a former holder of the same title. Curtis won the first fall when he forced Hayamaka to submit to a hangman’s hold after 7 minutes. Hayamaka took the second fall in 7 minutes when he pinned Curtis after a series of Judo throws. During the third and deciding fall the two spent as much time fighting on the arena floor as they did in the ring. At one point Hayamaka rammed Curtis’ head into the ring apron, causing a bloody cut. As thy continued to battle outside the ring the match was stopped and declared a no contest.
Wrestling returned to Monroe, Louisiana the next evening as promoter Gus Kallio presented his first card of the year at Kallio’s Arena. George Curtis and Sugy Hayamaka fought to a 10 minute draw in the one fall opening match.
The second match, also a one fall match between Jack Curtis and Sockeye McDonald, also ended in a 10 minute draw.
In the main event Jack & George Curtis joined hands to face Hayamaka & McDonald in a tag team match. During the first fall Hayamaka caught Jack Curtis in his sleeper hold, but Curtis managed to escape. Jack tagged in George just as Hayamaka tagged in McDonald. McDonald pushed George into a corner and Hayamaka joined in and the doubled teamed the youngest Curtis brother. McDonald then bodyslammed George to the mat and pinned him to win the opening fall. The Curtis Brothers concentrated on Hayamaka during the second fall and kept him close to their corner. The brothers constantly tagged in and out while working over Hayamaka’s leg. Finally Jack clamped a half Boston Crab on Hayamaka to force him to submit to win the second fall. In the third and deciding fall the Curtis duo once again kept Hayamaka near their corner while they took turns bodyslamming him. Jack once again clamped on a half Boston Crab and had Hayamaka on the verge of conceding when McDonald entered the ring. George jumped in to stop McDonald but was stopped by referee Bill Barney. As Barney forced George back out of the ring McDonald slugged Jack in the back of the head and broke his hold on Hayamaka. As Barney turned his attention back to the center of the ring Hayamaka had Jack pinned. Barney counted the fall and awarded the fall and the match to Hayamaka & McDonald.
That same Tuesday evening in Baton Rouge, Johnny Harmon faced George Harben in the opening match, scheduled to be best two out of three falls with a 60 minute time limit.
The main event featured Al Getz meeting the Skull in a match, best two out of three falls with no time limit.
There are no results known for this card.
On Wednesday in Alexandria Johnny Harmon and the Skull met in the best two out of three falls opening match. Harmon spent most of the first fall trying to remove the Skull’s mask but was finally pinned by the masked man to end the fall after 37 minutes. The two fought tooth and nail until the 60 minute time limit expired. Since the Skull had won the only fall he was declared the winner of the match.
In the main event Al Getz faced off with George Harben. Getz was awarded the first fall when referee Phil Brummett disqualified Harben for pulling hair and using his fists. Harben used the same tactics throughout the second fall but managed to avoid another disqualification. He pinned Getz to win the fall and even the score. Getz pinned Harben easily in the final fall to win the fall and the match.
The following night in New Orleans, Irish Jack Kelly defeated Al Getz in the one fall opening match.
In the second match, Baron Von Harben (as George Harben was sometimes known) defeated Red Kirkpatrick.
The Skull was disqualified in the third match of the evening, giving the victory to his opponent Charley Keene.
In the main event Pat Cronin score two out of three falls to win his match over Nick Carter.
On Friday in Jackson, Jack Curtis and Sockeye McDonald battled to a draw in the opening match.
In the semi-final match Farmer Brown faced Red Kirkpatrick. Kirkpatrick was disqualified by referee Jack Roberts after he tossed Brown from the ring and refused to let him back in. Following the match Brown and his second Daisy Mae used Brown’s boots to clobber Kirkpatrick and chase him from the ring.
In the main event George Curtis got his chance at the World Light-Heavyweight title held by Sugy Hayamaka. Curtis pinned Hayamaka to win the first fall following a series of dropkicks. Hayamaka came back and tossed Curtis with a Judo throw and pinned him to win the second. Hayamaka pinned Curtis with a jackknife to win the third fall and the match to retain his title.
Also on Friday wrestling returned to Anniston, Alabama. Promoter Al Bragg presented his first card of the year at the Shrine Club. Johnny Harmon faced Pat Cronin in the opening match of the evening.
In the main event Nick Carter took on Irish Jack Kelly.
No results are known for this card.
The following week In Birmingham, George Harben defeated Irish Jack Kelly in the one fall opening match.
In the second event of the evening a new masked wrestler made his debut as the Skull presented his new tag team partner, The Skull #2. The new masked man faced Johnny Harmon, the popular Canadian. The Skull #2 proved to be every much the ruffian that his partner was as he won the final two falls to defeat Harmon.
The Skull #1 was also victorious in the semi-final match. He scored two out of three falls over Al Getz to win the match.
In the main event, Nick Carter was matched with Benito Gardini. Gardini was nationally known due to his televised appearances from Chicago and was a last minute substitute for Pat Cronin, who was unable to appear. He pinned Carter to win the first fall and take an early advantage. Carter pitched Gardini from the ring in the second fall and Gardini was unable to return to the ring before being counted out. At the start of the deciding fall, Gardini was unable to continue so the final fall and the match were awarded to Carter.
On Tuesday in Monroe, the card featured a main event tag team match with Jack & George Curtis taking on Sugy Hayamaka & Sockeye Jack McDonald.
The two preliminaries that preceded the main event were singles matches made up of these same four wrestlers.
No results are known for this card.
Also on Tuesday in Baton Rouge, Johnny Harmon faced Pat Cronin in the opening match of the evening.
In the main event, Irish Jack Kelly took on the Skull.
No results are known for this card either.
Wrestling was held in Shreveport on Wednesday this week. The Municipal Auditorium was presenting a ballet performance by Saddler Well on the regular Monday night. The move did not hurt attendance as the card drew 2500 fans. In the opening match George Curtis defeated Bronko Lubich to win the match in 12 minutes.
The semi-final match was a tag team event with George Curtis teaming with Framer Brown (along with Daisy Mae) to take on Bronko Lubich & Sockeye McDonald. McDonald pinned Curtis following a giant swing to win the first fall. Brown came back and forced Lubich to submit to his stump puller hold to take the second fall and even the match. McDonald applied a half Boston Crab on Brown and made him submit to win the deciding fall and the match for his team.
In the main event a return match for the World Light-Heavyweight title featured champion Sugy Hayamaka defending his title against Jack Curtis. Curtis pinned Hayamaka after using a neckbreaker on him to win the first fall. Hayamaka came back with a Judo toss and a pin on Curtis to take the second fall. The third and deciding fall went back and forth until Hayamaka caught Curtis in a shoulder slide to pin him and win the fall and the match. Curtis quickly jumped to his feet following the pin and slugged Hayamaka, but the champion had retained his title.
Also on Wednesday in Alexandria, Johnny Harmon faced the Skull #2 in the opening match. The Skull #2 punched Harmon all over the ring before pinning him to win the match.
In the main event Irish Jack Kelly took on the original Skull. The match was even with a fall apiece going into the third and deciding fall. Kelly spent much of that fall trying to remove the Skull’s mask. The Skull wound up tossing Kelly out of the ring several times and was disqualified by referee Phil Brummett, giving the fall and the match to Kelly. Following the match Kelly issued a challenge to the Skull to meet in a hair vs mask match.
On Thursday in New Orleans the card opened with three one fall matches. Charley Keene defeated the Skull #2 in the first match.
Irish Jack Kelly pinned Johnny Harmon to win the second match.
In the third match Al Getz defeated Baron Von Harben by disqualification.
The main event featured a 10 man tag team match and the return to the ring of Bullet Joe Gunther. Gunther, a long-time favorite during his days as an active wrestler, usually spent his time promoting and booking wrestling cards and periodically serving as a referee. In this match Gunther’s team included Nick Carter, Charley Keene, Al Getz & Johnny Harmon. The opposing team was comprised of Red Byrd (replacing the ailing Pat Cronin), Baron Von Harben, Irish Jack Kelly and the Skulls, #1 & #2. Gunther’s team took two out of three falls to win the match.
On Friday in Jackson the card opened with 3 one fall singles matches, Farmer Brown vs Rex Mobley and Bronko Lubich vs Red Kirkpatrick ended in 10 minute draws. George Curtis defeated Sockeye McDonald by disqualification in their match.
The main event was an 8 man tag team match with Jack & George Curtis teaming with Farmer Brown & Bronko Lubich to face the foursome of Sugy Hayamaka, Sockeye McDonald, Rex Mobley & Red Kirkpatrick. Added to the mix at ringside were Brown’s valet/wife Daisy Mae and Hayamaka’s second, who he introduced as Gorgeous Georgia. Hayamaka pinned Lubich to win the first fall for his team, while Lubich evened the score by pinning McDonald to take the second fall. Brown pinned Red Kirkpatrick to take the deciding fall and the match for his team.
That same Friday evening in Anniston the card opened with Al Getz taking on George (Baron Von) Harben in the opening match.
In the main event Nick Carter and Irish Jack Kelly faced off in a 10 round boxing match.
No results are known for this card.
On Saturday wrestling debuted in Pascagoula, Mississippi under promoter Tony Everts. Everts, who usually promoted in Gulfport, held his matches at the Recreation Center. The inaugural card featured Bronko Lubich facing Sockeye McDonald in the opening match, scheduled for best two out of three falls with a 45 minute time limit.
In the main event Sugy Hayamaka, World Light-Heavyweight champion, faced Red Kirkpatrick in a non-title match. That match was scheduled for best two out of three falls and carried a 90 minute time limit.
No results are known for this card.
The following week wrestling in Birmingham, the card opened with a women’s tag team match in which Ella Waldek & Dot Dotson defeated Helen Collins & Jo Ann Mullenniex.
The semi-final was a return match between the Skull #1 and Al Getz. The Skull #1 won two out of three falls from Getz to win the match.
In the main event, Charley Keene took on the Skull #2. The match was even at a fall apiece going into the deciding fall. The Skull #2 was disqualified for fouling Keene, giving the final fall and the match to Keene. Keene was not satisfied with just a victory and went for the mask of the Skull #2. Keene pulled the mask off, revealing Elmer Davis.
Also on Monday in Shreveport returned to its regular Monday night. The card opened with Farmer Brown facing the returning Ellis Bashara. Brown flattened Bashara with mule kicks and forced him to submit to a backbreaker to win the one fall match in 11 minutes.
Brown returned in the semi-final match as he teamed with Jack Curtis to take on the team of Bashara & Red Kirkpatrick in a tag team match. Brown & Curtis won the match by winning two straight falls. Daisy Mae, Brown’s wife and second, also got into the action as she used Brown’s boot to clobber Bashara in the head a couple of times.
In the main event Sugy Hayamaka, World Light-Heavyweight champion, put his title on the line against the challenge of Sockeye Jack McDonald. Hayamaka tossed McDonald with a Judo throw and pinned him to win the first fall in 11 minutes. McDonald forced Hayamaka to submit to a backbreaker to take the second fall in 8 minutes. In the third and deciding fall, McDonald withstood all of Hayamaka’s Judo chops and countered with punches of his own. At one point McDonald tried to whip Hayamaka into the corner but referee Conway Baker was in the way. Hayamaka crashed into Baker and knocked him to the mat. Hayamaka then flattened McDonald and covered him for the pin. Baker was still flat on the mat. Hayamaka went to try and help him to his feet. He managed to bring Baker around but McDonald grabbed Hayamaka and applied a backbreaker to him. Hayamaka submitted to give the fall and the match to McDonald. Jack McDonald was the new World Light-Heavyweight champion.
The following night in Monroe, Jack Curtis and Ellis Bashara wrestled to a draw in the opening match of the evening.
The second match of the night, between Farmer Brown and Sockeye McDonald, also ended in a draw.
In the main event Curtis & Brown teamed to take on Bashara & McDonald in a tag team match. In the first fall Bashara had Curtis in trouble by blinding him with something that he kept hidden in his trunks. Brown came to his partner’s aid and McDonald also entered the ring. All four men fought until referee Bill Barney managed to regain control of the match. At one point during the melee Bashara & McDonald were swinging so wildly that they were punching each other as Curtis & Brown stood back and laughed. Curtis & Brown then double teamed Bashara and Brown pinned him to win the first fall. Bashara came back to pin Curtis to win the second fall and even the score. Curtis pinned McDonald to win the third and deciding fall and the match.
That same Tuesday evening in Baton Rouge the card started with Al Getz facing Baron Von Harben. Getz won the first and third falls of the match to defeat Von Harben and win the match.
The main event featured the first appearance of women wrestlers of the year. In that match Helen Collins faced Ella Waldek. Collins pinned Waldek with a shoulder slide to win the first fall. Waldek flattened Collins with a series of bodyslams and a pin on Collins to take the second fall. Waldek won the deciding fall when she pinned Collins following a dropkick.
Also on Tuesday, promoter John Hartselle presented his first card of the year at the Armory in Decatur. In the opening match, scheduled for best two out of three falls with a 90 minute time limit, Johnny Harmon faced Irish Jack Kelly.
The main event, a women’s match scheduled for best two out of three falls with a 60 minute time limit, featured Millie Stafford taking on Dot Dotson.
No results are known for this card.
The following evening in Alexandria the first match was another women’s match between Helen Collins and Ella Waldek. Collins won the first fall when she pinned Waldek following a dropkick. Waldek won the next two falls and the match, each time by pinning Collins after ramming her knee into Collins’ stomach. Waldek got into a bit of extracurricular activity following the match and it cost her dearly. After defeating Collins she went to the concession stand and got a soda. As she was about to enter her dressing room she was confronted by jeering fans. Waldek waved them away and when she did she spilled her drink on a female spectator. That incident cost Waldek $50 in fines and she was suspended from appearing in Alexandria for 60 days.
In the main event Al Getz faced George Harben. The match was even at a fall apiece going into the third and deciding fall. In the final fall Getz had Harben pinned put Harben managed to get his hand out from under Getz and tap Getz on the shoulder. Getz assuming it was the referee signaling the end of the fall got to his feet. Referee Phil Brummett was explaining to Getz that he had not reached the count of three and had not tapped him on the shoulder. In the meantime Harben got to his feet, grabbed Getz and slammed him to the mat. Harben then pinned Getz and won the fall and the match.
On Thursday in New Orleans Irish Jack Kelly faced newcomer Lou Plummer in the opening match. Kelly managed to gain the first fall but the match went to the 45 minute curfew with neither man gaining another fall. Despite Kelly taking the only fall scored, the match was declared a draw.
In the semi-final match Al Getz faced Baron Von Harben. Von Harben won two out of three falls to defeat Getz and win the match.
The main event was an women’s tag team with Helen Collins teaming with Millie Stafford to take on Ella Waldek & Dot Dotson. Waldek & Dotson took two out of three falls to win the match.
The attendance was 2700 people.
On Friday in Jackson Bronco Lubich faced off with veteran Sailor Moran in the opening match of the evening. Despite Moran having many more years of experience Lubich held his own and the match ended in a 15 minute draw.
In the semi-final match Jack Curtis & Farmer Brown joined forces to take on Ellis Bashara & Red Kirkpatrick in a tag team match. Curtis & Brown took two out of three falls to win the match. Daisy Mae got her licks in as well as she used Brown’s boot to good use on the head of Bashara.
In the main event new World Light-Heavyweight champion Sockeye McDonald put his title on the line against the man he taken it from, Sugy Hayamaka. Hayamaka kept McDonald in a whirl throughout the first fall by tossing him with Judo throws. At one point McDonald left the ring and was almost counted out by referee Jack Roberts. Hayamaka flattened McDonald with a Judo chop and pinned him to win the fall. In the second fall McDonald clamped a backbreaker on
Hayamaka and made him submit to take the fall. McDonald held onto the hold for an additional time after Hayamaka had conceded before referee Roberts threatened him with a disqualification. When he did release the hold Hayamaka was in such bad shape it was doubtful that he would be able to continue. Hayamaka was able to continue and started the third and deciding fall in a fury. He tossed and chopped McDonald until he had the champion bleeding and nearly out on his feet. Finally McDonald swung wildly out of desperation and landed a blow to the side of Hayamaka’s head. He then grabbed Hayamaka’s leg and applied a half Boston Crab. Hayamaka was forced to concede and the fall and the match went to McDonald, allowing him to retain his title.
That same Friday evening in Anniston Johnny Harmon and Elmer Davis met in the opening match of the evening.
The main event featured a women’s tag team match with Helen Collins & Millie Stafford taking on Ella Waldek & Dot Dotson.
No results are known for this card.
The following Monday in Birmingham, Pat Cronin defeated George Harben in the opening match of the evening.
In the semi-final match Al Getz & Johnny Harmon teamed to take on the Skull & Elmer Davis, the former Skull #2. Getz & Harmon took two out of three falls to win the match.
In the main event Nick Carter faced Don McIntyre, the Southern Heavyweight champion, in a title match. McIntyre was making his first appearance in Birmingham in almost two years, when he was appearing on opposition cards presented by Atlanta promoter Paul Jones. Carter pinned McIntyre to win the first fall. McIntyre came back and won the final two falls to take the match and retain his title.
That same Monday evening in Shreveport the card opened with Farmer Brown meeting Bronko Lubich in a one fall match. The match was clean fought and evenly matched until Brown caught Lubich in a rolling arm scissors. Brown pinned Lubich to win the match.
Jack Curtis took on Red Kirkpatrick in the semi-final match of the evening. Curtis forced Kirkpatrick to submit to an abdominal stretch to win the first fall in 13 minutes. Curtis pinned Kirkpatrick following a series of dropkicks to win the second fall in 8 minutes, winn8ing the match in straight falls.
The main event featured another World Light-Heavyweight title match between champion Sockeye McDonald and former champion Sugy Hayamaka. Prior to the start of the title match both Jack Curtis and Ellis Bashara issued a challenger to take on the winner. McDonald won the first fall when he forced Hayamaka to submit to a stepover toehold. Hayamaka employed a Judo toss on McDonald and pinned him to win the second fall. McDonald to the deciding fall quickly when he used a backbreaker on Hayamaka and forced his to submit, winning the fall and the match and retaining his title.
On Tuesday in Monroe Farmer Brown and Ellis Bashara battled to a 10 minute draw in the opening match.
In the second match Jack Curtis and Red Kirkpatrick also wrestled to a 10 minute draw.
The main event was a tag team match with Curtis & Brown taking on Bashara & Kirkpatrick. In the first fall Kirkpatrick obtained an unlit cigar from somewhere and proceeded to use it to rub into the eyes of Curtis & Brown. Then Bashara climbed into the ring only to be grabbed by Brown in a bear hug. Bashara tried to break free by raking Brown’s eyes but Brown got angry and heaved Bashara over his shoulder. Brown then pinned Bashara to win the first fall. The finish of the second fall also included Brown and Bashara as well as Brown’s second, Daisy Mae. Brown had Bashara near the ropes and Daisy Mae, who seemed to have a particular dislike of Bashara, jumped on the ring apron with one of Brown’s heavy boots. She swung it in the direction of Bashara’s head but he ducked and the blow flattened Brown instead. Bashara quickly pinned Brown to win the second fall. Curtis pinned Kirkpatrick after a series of neck twists to win the deciding fall and the match.
Also on Tuesday in Baton Rouge, Johnny Harmon faced pat Cronin in the opening match. Harmon pinned Cronin following a series of monkey flips and a bodyslam to win the first fall. Cronin came back to rough up Harmon and pin him to take the second fall and even the match. In the third and deciding fall Cronin punched referee Phil Brummett and was disqualified, giving the fall and the match to Harmon.
The main event was a 15 round boxing match between Irish Jack Kelly and the Skull. The match was in round 13, with Kelly having won 9 of the previous rounds, when the match was stopped. Kelly got into a verbal argument with referee Phil Brummett and ended up slugging him. Brummett stopped the match and awarded it to the Skull.
The following evening in Alexandria Johnny Harmon and Pat Cronin met once again in the opening match. Harmon pinned Cronin to win the first fall and was well on his way to making it two straight falls when Cronin floored him with the help of a foreign object. A local commissioner halted the match and attempted to search Cronin, who refused to subject himself to such an action. The commissioner called for Cronin’s disqualification and awarded the match to Harmon.
The main event was another meeting between Jack Kelly and the Skull. In this match Kelly put his hair on the line against the mask of the Skull. Promoter Jimmie Thompson would serve as the referee for this match. Kelly scored an early advantage when he pinned the Skull to take the first fall. Following the fall, the Skull remained lying in the center of the ring even after the bell sounded to start the second fall. After the bell the Skull avoided Kelly until he saw an opening and rushed Kelly with a series of knees to the stomach and bodyslams. The masked man then pinned Kelly to win the fall and even the match. The third and final fall went back and forth until Kelly began to tire. The Skull took advantage of the situation and slammed Kelly to the mat several times and pinned him to win the fall and the match. Kelly accepted his defeated and allowed a barber to enter the ring and cut off his hair.
That same Wednesday evening the card in Decatur was held instead of its regular Tuesday night card. The card opened with Charley Keene facing Elmer Davis in a match scheduled for best two out of three falls with a 60 minute time limit.
In the main event, scheduled for best two out of three falls with a 90 minute time limit, Al Getz took on George Harben.
No results are known for this card.
The final card of January was held on Thursday in New Orleans. The card opened with a tag team match in which Al Getz & Johnny Harmon faced Baron Von Harben & the Skull #2. Getz & Harmon scored two out of three falls to win the match.
In the main event, Charley Keene faced the Skull #1 in a fight to the finish. This match had no time limit and no limit to the number of falls that could be scored. It would continue until one man was unable to continue the match. The match was a rough one with the advantage going back and forth several times. Keene was unable to answer the bell at the beginning of the fifth fall and the match was awarded to the Skull.
Unique content strictly for the Professional Wrestling Historical Society.
All research has been completed by the Professional Wrestling Historical Society or by a trusted contributor.
Review of Gulf Coast Championship Wrestling: A Recap of January 1952.
Author: Michael Norris of Gulf Coast Wrestling History: 1950-1977.
Published: July 25, 2020.
Editor: Jimmy Wheeler.
Unique content strictly for the Professional Wrestling Historical Society.
All research has been completed by the Professional Wrestling Historical Society or by a trusted contributor.
Review of Gulf Coast Championship Wrestling: A Recap of January 1952.
Author: Michael Norris of Gulf Coast Wrestling History: 1950-1977.
Published: July 25, 2020.
Editor: Jimmy Wheeler.
Click Here for a recap of January 1950.
Click Here for a recap of February 1950.
Click Here for a recap of March 1950.
Click Here for a recap of April 1950.
Click Here for a recap of May 1950.
Click Here for a recap of June 1950.
Click Here for a recap of July 1950.
Click Here for a recap of August 1950.
Click Here for a recap of September 1950.
Click Here for a recap of October 1950.
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Click Here for a recap of February 1951.
Click Here for a recap of March 1951.
Click Here for a recap of April 1951.
Click Here for a recap of May 1951.
Click Here for a recap of June 1951.
Click Here for a recap of July 1951.
Click Here for a recap of August 1951.
Click Here for a recap of September 1951.
Click Here for a recap of October 1951.
Click Here for a recap of November 1951.
Click Here for a recap of December 19551.
